PROSPECT HEIGHTS — In response to Pope Francis’ criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Vice President JD Vance, while not backing off of his hardline stance, was conciliatory, commending the Holy Father for his care of the flock and praying for his health and recovery. “Every day since I heard of Pope Francis’ illness […]
Author: John Lavenburg
U.S. Bishops Sue Trump Administration Over Migrant Funding Freeze
Citing the violation of multiple laws and Congress’s authority to control government spending as outlined by the Constitution, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has sued the Trump administration over its halt of refugee resettlement funding.
Cardinal Gregory Cites ‘Important Heritage’ at Black History Month Mass in Newark
Reflecting on Black History Month, Cardinal Wilton Gregory recalled how young people in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., would often climb on the bronze statue of Carter G. Woodson, rub his head, and try to figure out why he got a statue in their neighborhood.
Bishop Seitz Responds to Vance on Immigration: ‘He Clearly Doesn’t Know Me’
Calling Vice President JD Vance’s “bottom line” comments a “tremendous mischaracterization,” Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso said that “[Vance] clearly doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know my heart” while also offering a sit-down conversation.
Archbishop Broglio Prays U.S. Government Commits to ‘Help Those in Desperate Need’
In a letter to Pope Francis on behalf of the U.S. bishops, Archbishop Timothy Broglio said they join the Holy Father in praying that the government will continue to help those in need.
Cardinal Tobin Orders Review of Seton Hall’s McCarrick Investigation
Cardinal Joseph Tobin has ordered an independent review of the results of an independent investigation he ordered on behalf of Seton Hall University in 2019 regarding Theodore McCarrick, with a particular focus on references to the university’s current president, Msgr. Joseph Reilly.
U.S. Bishops Call for ‘Prayer and Action’ Against Human Trafficking
On the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, called on Catholics to unite in prayer and action to combat what is referred to as “modern-day slavery” and urge policymakers to act.
Vance Says Trump Administration Will Continue to Prioritize Religious Liberty
In touting the accomplishments of the first Trump administration, Vice President JD Vance assured a room full of advocates that the second one will continue to prioritize advancing religious freedom both domestically and abroad.
Catholic Charities NY: Government Efforts to Deal With Criminal Immigrants ‘Legitimate’
Amid a federal immigration crackdown, the head of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New York says that while the organization is concerned for many immigrants, he also understands the government’s “legitimate attempt to deal with the bad apples, the criminals.”
Trump’s Decision to Revoke Protections for Venezuelan Immigrants ‘Counterproductive:’ U.S. Bishops
The U.S. Bishops have called the Trump administration’s decision to revoke temporary legal protections for Venezuelan immigrants “counterproductive to the administration’s stated goal of reducing strain on American communities.”